Fire protection sprinkler assemblies and installations with adjustable push-to-connect fittings

ABSTRACT

Adjustable fire protection assemblies and methods are provided. The assembly includes a sprinkler having a body with an outer encasing surface and a deflector supported from the body. An escutcheon having a receiver and a rim surround the fire protection sprinkler to define an aperture between the receiver and the sprinkler. A push-to-connect fitting of the assembly includes a tubular member with an end for connection to a pipe and an internal conduit that receives the sprinkler body. A seal member and a retaining ring are disposed within the tubular member to form an adjustable seal and grip about the sprinkler body. A releasing member translates to disengage the retaining ring from the sprinkler body; and the escutcheon translates with respect to the tubular member in a sliding surface engagement to define an adjustable deflector-to-rim distance between the rim of the escutcheon and the deflector of the sprinkler.

PRIORITY CLAIM & INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

The application is an international application claiming priority to:U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/439,617, filed on Dec. 28,2016, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/439,632, filed on Dec.28, 2016, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/439,665, filed onDec. 28, 2016, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/439,689, filedon Dec. 28, 2016, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No, 62/439,701,flied on Dec. 28, 2016, U.S. Provisional Patent to Application No.62/439,725, filed on Dec. 28, 2016, and U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/439,744, filed on Dec. 28, 2016, each of which ismcorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to fire protection devices andmore specifically to adjustable fire protection sprinkler assemblies,pipe connections and installations.

BACKGROUND ART

Fire protection sprinklers can be utilized to protect variousoccupancies and commodities from fire, in certain occupancies, the areato be protected is surrounded by walls and ceilings. Typically, the fireprotection sprinklers are located proximate the openings in the wailsand ceiling. In preferred arrangements, a fire protection sprinklerassembly includes the fire protection sprinkler, a concealment member,such as an escutcheon and/or cover plate, and a support member, e.g. asupport cup, secured to the fire protection sprinkler that positions theconcealment member proximate the wall or ceiling. The wall and/orceiling serves as a mounting surface for the concealment member. Assuch, the assembly provides for a decorative arrangement for the fireprotection sprinkler exposed to the area to be protected.

Opposite the mounting surface and behind the wail or ceiling is astructure, such as structural framing, to which the wall or ceiling ismounted and supported, The framing and the areas between parallel wallsor adjacent ceilings and floor decks define a confined space for thelocation of firefighting fluid supply piping for the fire protectionsprinkler assembly. In order to secure the fire protection sprinklerassembly to the firefighting fluid supply piping, a piping component,such as a pipe fitting, is also located in the confined space.Generally, the pipe fitting is located within the confined space so thatwhen the fire protection sprinkler is secured to the fitting, thesprinkler or a portion thereof is located within a prescribed distancefrom the moimting surface. The prescribed distance or clearance is thedistance from the mounting surface needed for a fluid distributionportion of the sprinkler, typically a deflector, to be in an operativeposition to provide a desired fluid distribution pattern to effectivelyaddress a fire in the area and/or over a commodity in the area to beprotected. Thus, in order to properly position the fire protectionsprinkler assembly, users must configure the firefighting fluid supplypiping and locate its fittings in the confined space to orient the fireprotection sprinkler in its prescribed operative position relative tothe mounting surface of the wall and/or ceiling.

A fire protection sprinkler of the assembly is typically provided with aexternally threaded body thai is received within a threaded portion ofthe pipe fitting. While the respective threaded portions allow forrelative positional adjustment between the components, the amount ofadjustability is minimal because the components need to be sufficientlythreadedly engaged to ensure a fluid tight connection. Thus, locatingthe fire protection sprinkler at its prescribed operative distance orposition is dependent on the ability of the user to locate the supplypiping and fitting in the confined space in an appropriate location.With a pipe fitting in the confined space, behind walls, above ceilingsor obscured by other structures, securing and/or removing the threadedmember of the fire protection sprinkler to and from the thread portionof the pipe fitting requires special tools and operator dexterity.

With the fire protection sprinkler secured to the firefighiing fluidsupply piping via the fitting, a support member retained on the fireprotection sprinkler can be used to secure and support a concealmentmember of the fire protection sprinkler assembly. The presence of thesupport member can increase the complexity of threading the fireprotection sprinkler to the fitting that is located within the confinedspace. In some instances removing and/or securing a threaded fireprotection sprinkler, with or without the support structure, to a pipefitting can, in some conditions, require removal of the wall and/orceiling.

The fittings within the confined space that receive the sprinkler aretypically connected to the fluid supply piping via various intermediatefittings. These intermediate fittings include and are not limited to,unions, tee fittings, elbow fittings or fitting of various angularconfigurations. The installation of certain known fire protectionsprinklers in confined spaces with intermediate fittings using athreaded connection can be logistically challenging. To address thischallenge, special intermediate fittings have been developed thatinclude an integrated threaded sprinkler. Despite having theavailability of a special intermediate fitting, securing a fireprotection sprinkler to a threaded fitting in a confined space remains achallenge to properly position the special intermediate fitting tolocate the fire protection sprinkler in its prescribed operative rangerelative to the mounting surface of the wall and/or ceiling. Examples ofknown threaded recessed and concealed sprinkler assemblies are shown inthe following product data sheets from Tyco Fire Products, LP ofLansdale, Pa.: (i) TFP181: “Series RPII-5.6 K-facior ‘Royal Flush IFConcealed Pendent Sprinklers Quick & Standard Response, StandardCoverage (March 2013); (ii) TFP351: “Series ‘|’Y -8-2,8, 5.6, and 8.0K-factor Upright, Persdeni, and Recessed Pendent Sprinklers StandardResponse, Standard Coverage (November 2014); (iii) TFP400: “RAPIDRESPONSE Series LFII Residential 4.9 K-factor Pendent Sprinkler Wet Pipeand Dry Pipe Systems (January 2016); and (iv) TFP443: “RAPID RESPONSESeries LFII Residential Sprinklers 4.9 K-factor Flat-Plate ConcealedPendent Wet Pipe and Dry Pipe Systems” (January 2016).

Alternative non-threaded connection technology for securing a fireprotection sprinkler to a fitting appropriate for confined spaces exist.Such alternative connectors are-shown and described in U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2011/0214886. Shown therein is a threadiesssprinkler and fitting arrangement in which a sprinkler is pressed into afitting to engage a fire suppressant or extinguishing supply pipe. Thethreadiess fitting includes an internal engagement member having tabs orprongs that grip the outer surface of the sprinkler. An internallysecured disengagement member can be slid relative to the engagementmember to disengage the prongs from the body. Accordingly, U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2011/0214886 shows and describes athreadiess fitting arrangement for installing and removing a sprinkler.Although U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2011/0214886 shows thesprinkler installation in or near a ceiling or sidewail, the patentpublication does not expressly teach adjusting the sprinkler to locatethe deflector at a prescribed or operative distance from the mountingsurface. Instead, U.S. Patent Application. Publication No. 2011/0214886shows the sprinkler piping outlet near the wail or ceiling with thethreadiess fitting disposed or engaged with the sprinkler piping outlet.This at least suggests that for supply piping in confined areas, thelocation of the sprinkler with respect to the mounting surface of thewail or ceiling requires adjustment of the supply pipe and its outletlocation near the wall or ceiling.

U.S. Patent Publication No. 2014/0097274 shows and describes sprinklerassemblies joined by push-connect and press-connect fittings in whichsprinkler assemblies are joined to sprinkler pipes by either apush-connect or press-connect fitting without the use of heat orsealant. One disadvantage of the press-connect fitting is that it formsa permanent joint between the sprinkler assembly and the sprinklersystem pipe and therefore does not provide for adjustment. Thepush-connect fitting allows for separation of the formed joint betweenthe sprinkler assembly and the sprinkler pipe. However, in the case of asprinkler assembly installation in which the sprinkler piping is in aconfined space, the push-connect fitting taught in U.S. PatentPublication No. 2014/0097274 appears to require that the adjustment bemade on the sprinkler piping side thereby making the location of thesprinkler deflector with respect to a mounting surface logisticallydifficult.

Other push fitting assemblies for joining and disjoining pipe elementsare shown in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2015/0345683. However, thepatent publication again does not teach or suggest the use of thefittings in the adjusted installation of sprinklers for connection topiping in confined spaces. Moreover, none of the known alternatives ofthe cited patent documents teach or address the needs of an adjustablerecessed or concealed sprinkler installation from pipe fitting locatedin confined spaces.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

Preferred fire protection sprinkler assemblies are provided withadjustable arrangements for connection to fluid supply pipes. Theassemblies include preferred embodiments of a fire protection sprinklerand threadless push-to-connect fitting. The preferred embodimentsinclude features that individually or in combination address logisticalissues for connecting fire protection sprinklers to firefighting fluidsupply piping located in the confined space behind ceilings or walls.Moreover, the preferred embodiments and methods described herein providefor fire protection sprinkler connections and assemblies that areparticularly configured for recessed or concealed arrangements.Accordingly, the preferred embodiments include assemblies and methodshaving a preferred fire protection sprinkler, a push-to-connect f tting,an escutcheon, a support cup, and/or a cover.

Preferred embodiments of a sprinkler assembly include a fire protectionsprinkler having a body defining an inlet and an outlet with apassageway extending between the inlet and the outlet along alongitudinal axis. A deflector is supported by the body and spaced fromthe outlet. The body has an outer encasing surface surrounding at leasta portion of the passageway to define a first contact zone. Anescutcheon having a receiver and a rim surrounds the fire protectionsprinkler to define an aperture between the receiver and the sprinkler.The receiver has a surface defining a second contact zone. Apush-to-connect fitting of the assembly has an exterior surface and aninner surface. The push-to-connect fitting includes a tubular memberwith an end for connection to a pipe and an internal conduit thatreceives the body of the sprinkler. A sea! member and a retaining ringare disposed within the internal conduit. The seal member forms a fluidtight seal about the first contact zone with the retaining ring engagedin a grip about the first contact zone to form an adjustable seal andgrip about the body of the sprinkler outer encasing surface along thefirst contact zone. The second contact zone of the escutcheon translateswith respect to the tubular member in a preferably sliding surfaceengagement to define an adjustable deflector-to-rim distance between therim of the escutcheon and the deflector of the sprinkler. A preferredreleasing member translates with respect to the tubular member todisengage the grip of the retaining ring about the first contact zoneand allow the sprinkler body first contact zone to translate with apreferably sliding engagement within the tubular member. Accordingly,preferred embodiments provide for sprinkler assemblies and installationwith dual adjustment.

A preferred recessed sprinkler assembly includes a fire protectionsprinkler having a body defining an inlet and an outlet with apassageway extending between the inlet and the outlet along alongitudinal axis. A deflector is supported by the body and spaced ironsthe outlet. The body has an outer encasing surface surrounding at leasta portion of the passageway. An escutcheon has a receiver and a rim withthe receiver surrounding the fire protection sprinkler to define anannular aperture therebetween. A preferred push-to-connect fittingincludes a tubular member having an internal conduit with the body ofthe sprinkler received in the internal conduit. A seal member and aretaining ring are disposed within the internal conduit. A releasingmember is provided to disengage the grip of the retaining ring about theouter encasing surface of the body. The releasing member has a portionthat radially traverses the aperture and contacts the receiver of theescutcheon.

Accordingly, a preferred embodiment of a recessed push-to-connectfitting is provided that includes an escutcheon having a receiver and arim and a push-to-connect fitting having a tubular member with an endfor connection to a pipe. The tubular member includes an exteriorsurface and an inner surface with the inner surface defining an internalconduit for receipt of a fire protection sprinkler. A seal member and aretaining ring are disposed within the internal conduit for forming afluid tight sealing grip about the fire protection sprinkler. Areleasing member that preferably translates with respect to the tubularmember disengages the grip of the retaining ring about the fireprotection sprinkler. The receiver of the escutcheon is supported aboutthe releasing member to define an annular aperture between the tubularmember and the receiver with the releasing member having a portion thatpreferably radially traverses the annular aperture.

In another embodiment of a preferred sprinkler assembly, a fireprotection sprinkler has a body defining an inlet and an outlet with apassageway extending between the inlet and the outlet along alongitudinal axis. A deflector is supported by the body and spaced fromthe outlet. The body has an outer encasing surface surrounding at leasta portion of the passageway. A preferred push-to-connect fittingincludes a tabular member with an internal conduit that receives thebody of the sprinkler. A seal member and a retaining ring are disposedwithin the internal conduit to form a fluid tight sealing grip about theencasing surface. A preferred releasing member translates with respectto the tubular member to disengage the grip of the retaining ring aboutthe outer encasing surface of the body. The releasing member ispreferably secured to the exterior surface of the tubular member in apreferred manner. In a preferred embodiment, the tubular member includesa first end and a second end with the second end including an annularflange formed about the second end of the fitting with a groove alongthe exterior surface of the annular flange. The releasing memberpreferably includes an annular projection engaged within thecircumferential groove.

Preferred sprinkler assemblies include a fire protection sprinklerhaving a body defining an inlet and an outlet with a passagewayextending between the inlet and the outlet along a longitudinal axis. Adeflector is supported by the body and spaced from the outlet. The bodyhas an outer encasing surface surrounding at least a portion of thepassageway. A preferred push-to-connect fitting includes a tubularmember with an exterior surface and an inner surface defining aninternal conduit extending along a longitudinal axis with the sprinklerbody located in the internal conduit. A seal member and a retaining ringare disposed within the internal conduit to form a fluid tight sealinggrip about the outer encasing surface of the body. A releasing member iscoupled to the tubular member and translates with respect to the tubularmember to disengage the retaining ring grip about the encasing surfaceof the body. The preferred releasing member has an end face with acentral opening axiaily aligned with the internal conduit with thesprinkler body. The end face is axially spaced from the seal member todefine a mechanism length of the push-to-conned fitting. The ratio ofmechanism length-to-minimum internal diameter of the retaining ringpreferably ranges from 0.5:1-0.6:1. Alternatively or additionally, theratio of mechanism length-to-overall axial height of the push-to-connectfitting is less than 0.4:1.

A preferred sprinkler assembly includes a push-to-connect fitting havinga tubular member with an exterior surface and an inner surface definingan internal conduit extending along a longitudinal axis for receipt of asprinkler body. A seal member and a retaining ring are disposed withinthe internal conduit; and a releasing member that translates withrespect to the tubular member. A preferred fire protection sprinkler isinserted within the push-to-corsnect-fitting with a body received withinthe internal conduit of the tubular member. The sprinkler body defines abody length with an outer encasing surface extending axiaily over atleast a portion of the body length. The seal member forms a fluid tightseal about the encasing surface and the retaining ring grips about theouter encasing surface of the body. The translation of the releasingmember relative the tubular member disengages the grip of the retainingring. The body has an inlet and an outlet with a passageway to define anominal K-faeior and K-factor-to-body length ratio ranging from 3.3:1

1.3:1. The fire protection sprinkler includes a deflector supported bythe body and spaced from the outlet.

A preferred sprinkler assembly includes a fire protection sprinklerhaving a body defining an inlet and an outlet with a passagewayextending between the inlet and the outlet along a longitudinal axis. Adeflector is supported by the body and spaced from the outlet. The bodyhas an outer encasing surface surrounding at least a portion of thepassageway. A pipe fitting has a first pipe end for connection to afluid supply pipe and at least a second pipe end with an internal flowpath connecting the first and at least second pipe ends. Each of thefirst and at least second pipe ends have an internal surface and ashoulder circumscribing the flow path to define a receptacle at the pipeend having an insertion depth. A preferred insert push-to-connectfitting includes a tubular member with an exterior surface and aninternal conduit that receives the body of the sprinkler. The tubularmember has a securement portion with the exterior surface of thesecurement portion of the tubular member defining a constant diameterover an axial length at least equal to the insertion depth of thereceptacles. The exterior surface of the securement portion is incontact with and affixed to the inner surface of the at least secondreceptacle of the pipe end. A seal member and a retaining ring aredisposed within the internal conduit. The seal member forms a fluidtight seal about the encasing surface of the sprinkler body and theretaining ring is engaged in a grip about the outer encasing surface ofthe body. A releasing member translates with respect to the tubularmember to disengage the retaining ring grip about the encasing surfaceof the body. Preferred embodiments of the push-to-connect fittingincludes a resistance member to control the relative translation betweenthe releasing member and the tubular member. The resistance member ispreferably a resilient member. Alternatively, the resistance member canform a positive lock between the releasing member and the tubularmember. Moreover, the preferred sealing member is an integral annularsealing member having a support base and at least two annular sealingsurfaces axially spaced apart and integrated with the base to contactthe encasing surface of the sprinkler body and form the fluid tight sealabout the encasing surface.

Another preferred embodiment of a sprinkler assembly includes a fireprotection sprinkler having a body defining an inlet and an outlet withan internal passageway extending along a longitudinal axis between theinlet and the outlet. The body includes an encasing surface about theinternal passageway. A push-to-connect fitting includes a tubular memberwith an end for connection to a pipe, The tubular member includes anexterior surface and an inner surface with the inner surface defining aninternal conduit that receives the body of the sprinkler. A seal memberand a retaining ring are disposed within the internal conduit and theseal member forms a fluid tight seal about the encasing surface of thesprinkler body. The retaining ring is engaged in a grip about the outerencasing surface of the body. A releasing member translates with respectto the. tubular member to disengage the grip of the retaining ring aboutthe outer encasing surface of the body; and a resistance member controlsthe relative translation between the releasing member and the tubularmember.

Another preferred embodiment of a sprinkler assembly includes a fireprotection sprinkler having a body defining an inlet and an outlet witha passageway extending between the inlet and the outlet along alongitudinal axis. A deflector is supported by the body and spaced fromthe outlet. The body has an outer encasing surface surrounding at leasta portion of the passageway. A push-to-eonnect fitting includes atubular member with an exterior surface and an inner surface, the innersurface defines an internal conduit that receives the body of thesprinkler. A retaining ring is disposed within the conduit engaged in agrip about the outer encasing surface of the body. A preferred releasingmember translates with respect to the exterior surface of the tubularmember to disengage the retaining ring grip about the encasing surfaceof the body. An integral annular sealing member is disposed within theinternal conduit to form a fluid tight seal about the encasing surfaceof the sprinkler body. The annular sealing member has a support base andat least two annular sealing surfaces axially spaced apart andintegrated with the base to contact the encasing surface of thesprinkler body and form the fluid tight seal about the encasing surface.

A preferred embodiment of a concealed sprinkler assembly includes a fireprotection sprinkler having a body defining an inlet and an outlet witha passageway extending between the inlet and the outlet. A deflector issupported by the body and spaced from the outlet. The body has anencasing surface surrounding at least a portion of the passageway, Asupport cup having a central hole with a plurality of openings isdisposed over the sprinkler body such that the cup surrounds thesprinkler and an escutcheon, having a receiver, a rim, and a cover isengaged with the support cup to define a housing about the fireprotection sprinkler such that the cover conceals the deflector. Apreferred push-to-connect fitting includes a tubular member forconnection to a pipe. The tubular member has an exterior surface and aninner surface. The inner surface defines an internal conduit with thebody of the sprinkler received in the internal conduit. A seal memberand a retaining ring are disposed within the internal conduit. Thefitting includes a releasing member which translates with respect to thetubular member to disengage the grip of the retaining ring about theouter encasing surface of the body. The preferred releasing memberoverlays at least one of the plurality of openings of the support cup.

Another preferred concealed sprinkler connection includes a support cuphaving a central hole with a plurality of openings disposed about thecentral hole. An escutcheon having a receiver, a rim, and a covercoupled to the rim by a thermally responsive material is engaged withthe support cup to define a housing for a fire protection sprinkler suchthat the cover conceals the sprinkler. A preferred push-to-connectfitting has a tubular member for connection to a pipe. The tubularmember includes an exterior surface and an inner surface that defines aninternal conduit. A seal member and a retaining ring are disposed withinthe internal conduit for forming a fluid tight sealing grip about thesprinkler body. A releasing member translates with respect to thetubular member to disengage the grip of the retaining ring about theouter encasing surface of the body. The releasing member overlays atleast one of the plurality of openings of the support cup when thesupported cup is disposed about the fire protection sprinkler that isreceived in the internal conduit of the tubular member.

Preferred embodiments of a method of fire sprinkler protection includeproviding a fire protection sprinkler having a body defining an inletand an outlet with a passageway extending between the inlet and theoutlet along a longitudinal axis. The provided sprinkler has a deflectorsupported by the body and spaced from the outlet. The. provided body hasan outer encasing surface surrounding at least a portion of thepassageway having an axial length in the direction of the longitudinalaxis to define a f rst contact zone. The preferred method includesaxiaiiy translating the sprinkler along the first contact zone within apush-to-connect fitting in which the push-to-connect fitting thatincludes a tubular member with an end for connection to a pipe. Thetubular member includes an exterior surface and an inner surface withthe inner surface defining an internal conduit that receives the body ofthe sprinkler. The preferred fitting includes a seal member and aretaining ring disposed within the internal conduit of the tubularmember. The seal member forms a fluid tight seal about the first contactzone with the retaining ring engaged in a grip about the first contactzone to form an adjustable seal and grip about the body of the sprinklerouter encasing surface along the first contact zone. A preferredreleasing member of the fitting translates with respect to the tubularmember to disengage the grip of the retaining ring about the firstcontact zone of the sprinkler body. The preferred method includesaxiaiiy translating an escutcheon having a receiver and a rimsurrounding the fire protection sprinkler. The receiver preferablydefines a second contact zone for adjusting a deflector-to-rim distancebetween the rim of the escutcheon and the deflector of the sprinkler.

In a preferred method of recessed sprinkler installation, a sprinklerconnected

a tubular member of a push-to-conneet fitting is centered within anannular receiver of an escutcheon. The preferred method includestraversing an annular aperture between the fitting and the receiver wallwith a releasing member of the push-to-connect fitting. A preferredmethod of providing a recessed sprinkler includes providing a sprinklerassembly and distributing the sprinkler assembly for recessedinstallation with a preferred push-to-connect fitting. The providedsprinkler assembly includes a fire protection sprinkler having a bodydefining an inlet and an outlet with a passageway extending between theinlet and the outlet along a longitudinal axis. A deflector is supportedby the body and spaced from the outlet with the body having an outerencasing surface surrounding at leasi a portion of the passageway. Theprovided assembly includes an escutcheon having a receiver and a rimwith the receiver surrounding the fire protection sprinkler to define anannular aperture between the receiver and the sprinkler. A preferredpush-to-connect fitting is provided that includes a tubular member withan end for connection to a pipe, an exterior surface and an innersurface with an internal conduit that receives the body of thesprinkler. A seal member and a retaining ring is disposed within theinternal conduit with the seal member forming a fluid tight seal aboutthe encasing surface of the sprinkler body. The retaining ring isengaged in a grip about the outer encasing surface of the body. Apreferred releasing member translates with respect to the tubular memberto disengage the grip of the retaining ring about the outer encasingsurface of the body. The releasing member has a portion that radiallytraverses the aperture and contacts the receiver of the escutcheon.

A preferred method of operating a push-to-connect fitting about a fireprotection sprinkler. The method preferably includes forming a fluidtight sea? and grip about a sprinkler body of a fire protectionsprinkler in an internal conduit of a push-to-connect fitting extendingalong a longitudinal axis. The preferred method also includes axiaiiytranslating a releasing member secured to the peripheral surface of thepush-to-connect fitting along the longitudinal axis to release the fluidtight seal and grip about the sprinkler body.

A method of fire sprinkler protection comprising: providing a fireprotection sprinkler having a body extending along a longitudinal axisdefining a body length, the body-having an outer encasing surfaceextending axially over at least a portion of the body length, the bodyhaving an inlet and an outlet with a passageway extending along thelongitudinal axis between the inlet and the outlet to define a nominalK-faetor and R-faeior-to-body length ratio ranging from 3,3:1 to 1.3:1,the fire protection sprinkler including a deflector supported by thebody and spaced from the outlet; and providing a sprinkler assembly withthe fire protection sprinkler assembled within a push-to-connect fittingincluding: locating the sprinkler body within an internal conduit of atubular member of the push-to-connect fitting; forming a fluid tightseal along the encasing surface with a seal member of thepush-to-connect fitting located within the internal conduit of thetubular member: gripping the encasing surface with a retaining ringdisposed within the internal conduit of the push-to-connect fitting; andreleasing the grip by translating a releasing member axiaiiy withrespect to the tubular member.

Another preferred method of providing a concealed sprinkler includesproviding a sprinkler assembly including: a fire protection sprinklerhaving a body defining an inlet and an outlet with a passagewayextending between the inlet and the outlet, a deflector supported by thebody and spaced from the outlet with the body having an encasing surfacesurrounding at least a portion of the passageway. The provided sprinklerassembly includes a support cup having a central hole with a pluralityof openings disposed about the central opening with the sprinkler bodydisposed through the central hole such that the cup surrounds the bodyof the sprinkler. An escutcheon having a receiver, a rim, and a covercoupled to the rim by a thermally responsive material is provided withthe receiver engaged with the support cup to define a housing for thesprinkler deflector with the cover concealing the deflector. A preferredpush-to-connect fitting is provided having a tubular member with anexterior surface and an inner surface that defines an internal conduitthat receives the body of the sprinkler. The preferred push-to-connectfitting includes a seal member and a retaining ring disposed within theconduit to form a fluid sealing grip about the encasing surface of thebody. The push-to-connect fitting includes a releasing member thattranslates with respect to the tubular member to disengage the retainingring grip about the encasing surface of the body. The releasing memberpreferably overlays the plurality of openings of the support cup. Themethod preferably includes distributing the concealed sprinkler assemblyfor connection to a firefighting fluid supply pipe located in theconfined area with the preferred push-to-connect fitting. A preferredmethod of concealed sprinkler installation preferably includes centeringa sprinkler connected to a tubular member of a push-to-connect fittingwithin an annular receiver of an escutcheon engaged with a supportingcup having a plurality of openings centered about the fire protectionsprinkler. The preferred method includes overlaying the plurality ofopenings with a releasing member of the push-to-connect fitting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and constitutepart of this specification, illustrate exemplary embodiments of theinvention, and together, with the genera] description given above andthe detailed description given below, serve to explain the features ofthe invention. it should be understood that the preferred embodimentsare some examples of the invention as provided by the appended claims.

FIG. 1 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of apreferred recessed sprinkler assembly.

FIGS. 2A-2B are cross-sectional views of two embodiments of the recessedsprinkler assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is another perspective view of the recessed sprinkler assembly ofFIG. 2A.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of aconnection fitting for use in the assembly of FIG. 1 with a sprinklerbody released.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the preferred connection fittingused in the assembly of FIG. I.

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of internal components for use in theconnection fitting of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a fire protection sprinkler framefor use in the assenibly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 show exemplary embodiments of a deflector for use in thesprinkler assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of another recessed installation usingthe sprinkler assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a preferred embodimentof concealed recessed sprinkler assembly.

MODE(S) FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Shown in FIG. 1 is a preferred recessed sprinkler assembly 100 for theprotection of an area, i.e., the protection area PA. The sprinklerassembly 100 is mounted to a barrier 10, such as for example, a ceilingbarrier 10, through a through hole opening 12 and located proximate amounting surface 14 of the ceiling barrier 10 for connection to afirefighting fluid supply pipe or pipe fitting (not shown) in theconfined area or space CA to which the back surface 16 of the ceilingbarrier is exposed. The preferred recessed sprinkler assembly 100includes a fire protection sprinkler 110 connected to the fluid supplypiping or fitting by a preferred tbxead!ess conneciion fitting, i.e., apreferred “push-to-connect” fitting 140. More particular 110 thesprinkler 110 is inserted and threadlessly pushed into the fitting 140which forms a fluid tight seal and grip connection about the sprinkler110, Operation of the push-to-connect fitting 140 allows for thesprinkler 1 10 to be adjusted to locate a fluid distribution deflector124 of the sprinkler i 10 in an operative position relative to themounting surface 14 to define a deflector-to-mounting surface DD orother installation structures.

The recessed assembly 100 includes a preferred escutcheon 130 centeredabout the sprinkler 110 and more preferably centered about thepush-to-connect fitting 140. As described herein, the preferredpush-to-connect fitting 140 includes a releasing member 200 to releasethe grip about the sprinkler 110. The releasing member 200 preferablytraverses the annular space AA between the sprinkler 110 and the innersurface of the escutcheon 130. In the preferred recessed arrangement,the releasing member 200 continuously circumscribes the sprinkler 110and provides for a concealment element which covers the confined areaCA. from view from the perspective of the protection area PA. In anotherpreferred aspect, the releasing member 200 forms a contact engagementwith the inner surface of the escutcheon 130 that preferably adjustablyand completely supports the escutcheon 130 to locate the escutcheon 130in a desired location relative to the sprinkler 110, the deflector 124and/or the mounting surface 14.

Shown in FIG. 2A is one preferred recessed installation in which thepreferred push-to-connect fitting 140 is inserted in and depends from atee fitting 300 in the firefighting fluid supply piping running in theconcealed area CA above the ceiling barrier 10. The pipe fitting 300defines a pipe iitiing-to-mouniing surface distance FD measured from theend face of the pipe fitting to the mounting surface 14 of the barrier10. For preferred installations and assembiies, the supply piping andpipe fittings are constructed from thermoplastic material and morepreferably constructed from Chlorinated Poly (Vinyl Chloride) (CPVC)material suitable for use in fire sprinkler systems. Alternatively, thesupply pipe or fittings car. he formed from metallic material, such asfor example, steel or brass, etc.

The push-to-connect fitting 140 are preferably constructed from similarmaterials. Moreover, the push-to-connect fitting 140 is preferablyinserted and affixed within the receiving portion or receptacle of thepipe fitting 300 by appropriate chemical cementing used in CPVC liresprinkler piping. Generally, the pipe fittings 300 includes a first pipeend 302 for connection to a fluid supply pipe and at least a second pipeend 304 with an internal flow path connecting the first and at leastsecond pipe ends 302, 304. Each of the pipe ends 302, 304 have aninternal surface and a shoulder 306 preferably formed thereincircumscribing the flow path to define a receptacle at the pipe end 302,304 having an insertion depth ID from the pipe end 302, 304 to theinternal shoulder 306 at which pipe ends and the preferredpush-to-connect fitting 140 can be inserted into the fitting 300, Forpreferred push-to-connect fittings 140 described herein defining anassembly height H that is preferably no more than 175% of the insertiondepth ID. As a tee fitting, the pipe fitting 300 can include more thantwo pipe ends with receptacles formed therein and can include a thirdpipe end 305 with a receptacle formed therein. Alternatively, the pipefitting 300 can he embodied as an eibow or any other type of fitting forconnecting fluid supply piping to the preferred connection fitting 140.

The fire protection sprinkler 110 of the assembly 100 has a body 112that includes an internal surface extending along a longitudinal axisA-A defining an internal passageway having an inlet 116 and an outlet118. The body 112 includes an outer or encasing surface 115 whichsurrounds at least a portion of and more preferably circumscribes theinternal surface and the internal passageway. The fluid distributiondeflector 124 is preferably axially spaced from the outlet 118 andsupported by the body 112. As shown, the deflector 124 is preferablysecured to a pair of frame arms 126 which depend from the sprinkler body112, As shown, the frame arms 126 locate the deflector 124 at thedesired fixed axial distance from the outlet 118. In an alternatearrangement show in FIG. 10, the frame arms can provide for a “dropdown” arrangement in which the arms deploy from an unactuated concealedposition to an actuated deployed position,

The escutcheon 130 includes a cylindrical receiver 132 for receiving thesprinkler 110 and the push-to-cormect fitting 140. The cylindricalreceiver 132 is preferably annular and more preferably a circularcylindrical wall having an outer surface 132 a defining an outer radiusR1 for insertion within the through hole 12 of the ceiling barrier 10.In the preferred recessed arrangement, the circular cylindrical receiver132 has an inner surface 132 b that defines an inner radius R2 sized tobe disposed about and in supporting contact with the releasing member200 of the connection fitting 140. The receiver 132 preferably surroundsthe sprinkler 110 to define the annular aperture AA between the receiver132 and the sprinkler 110. The escutcheon 130 has a first end 130 a anda second end 130 b with a rim 134 preferably formed about the second end130 b, The receiver 132 is preferably supported by the releasing member200 between the first and second ends 130 a, 130 b of the escutcheon 130to adjustably locate a rim 134 of the escutcheon 130 axially withrespect to the mounting surface 14 of the barrier 10 and/or thedeflector 124 of the sprinkler 110. The rim 134 limits the axialinsertion of the cylindrical receiver 132 in the through hole 12 andforms a preferred surface contact engagement with the mounting surface14 of the ceiling barrier 10. The rim 134 preferably continuouslycircumscribes the through hole 12 at the mounting surface 14, In apreferred configuration, the rim 134 is formed integrally with thecylindrical receiver 132 and is circular. The rim 134 can form alternategeometries provided it can form the preferred surface contact engagementand limit insertion of the cylindrical receiver 132.

The preferred push-to-connect fitting 140 is generally tubular with oneend having an exterior surface preferably for connection to the fluidsupply pipe or fitting and an opposite end with an interior surface forreceipt of the fire protection sprinkler 110. The preferredpush-to-connect fitting 140 includes a tubular member 141 having theexterior surface disposed within the end of a pipe fitting. In thepreferred recessed installation for example, shown in FIG. 2A, the endof the pipe fitting 300 can be located in the annular aperture betweenthe receiver 132 and the tubular member 141.

The tubular member 141 has an internal surface defining an internalconduit 146 housing internal components for coaxial receipt andthreadless retention of the fire sprinkler 110. The tubular member 141has a first end 142 and a second end 144 with the internal conduit 146extending from the first end to the second end for receipt of thesprinkler body 112. Disposed within the internal conduit 146 are one ormore internal annular seal member(s) 148 to contact the encasing surface115 and form a fluid tight seal about the sprinkler body 112. Aretaining ring 150 is disposed preferably adjacent the annular sealmember 148. The preferred retaining ring 150 includes a group ofangularly disposed gripping fingers or prongs 154, as seen in FIG. 4,which bend or spiay outward upon insertion of the sprinkler body 112.The prongs 154 then resist and preferably friciionaliy contact and gripthe encasing surface 115 of the sprinkler body 112 and resist the slideof the sprinkler 110 out of the push-to-eonoeet fitting 140 against theweight of the inserted sprinkler 110 and/or or fluid force delivered tothe sprinkler 110.

In order to release the sprinkler 110 from the preferred fitting 140 forremoval or adjustment, the prongs 154 of the retention ring 150 must beoutwardly displaced to release their grip on the sprinkler 110. Coupledto the tubular member 141 and more preferably coupled to the exterior orperiphery of the tubular member 141 at its second end 144 is thereleasing member 200 which can translate in the axial direction withrespect to the tubular member 141. A central portion of the releasingmember 200 extends into the conduit 146 at the second end 144 of thetubular member 141. Upon axial translation of the releasing member 200in the direction preferably toward the first end 142 of the fitting 140,the central portion of the releasing member translates within theconduit 146 to contact and outwardly displace the prongs 154 therebyreleasing the sprinkler 110.

A preferred embodiment of the releasing member 200 is preferablyconfigured as a disc-like member having a central opening 202 foralignment with the internal conduit 146 of the tubular member 141 andsized to receive the body 112 of a sprinkler 110. Forming the centralopening 202 is an inner wall 204 that is inserted into the conduit 146of the tubular member 141 and an outer wall 206 that circumscribes andpreferably engages the periphery of the tubular member 141 to secure thereleasing member 200 to the tubular member 141. The outer wall 206 isradially spaced from the inner wall 204 with one or more radiallyextending portions 210 interconnecting and more preferably integrallyformed with the inner and outer walls 204, 206. As previously noted,with the sprinkler body 112 coaxially inserted in the tubular member141, the inner surface 132 b of the receiver 132 forms an annular spaceor aperture AA with the sprinkler 110. The one or more radiallyextending portion(s) 210 traverse the aperture AA with the peripheralexterior surface of the outer wall 206 in supporting contact with theinner surface 132 b of the receiver 232. In a preferred embodiment thereleasing member 200, the traversing portion 210 is continuouslycircumscribed about the central axis A-A. In such a configuration, thetraversing portion 210 provides for the concealment portion, coversurface or end face 211 of the releasing member 200 to cover and moreparticularly conceal the confined area CA from the perspective of theprotection area PA, as seen in FIG. 3. In a preferred aspect, thetraversing portion 210 of the releasing member 200 traverse the annularaperture AA between the tubular member 141 and the inner surface 132 bof the receiver 132.

In a preferred method of axially adjusting the location of the sprinklerand its deflector 124, a hand or too! is inserted into the annularaperture AA to push and translate the releasing member 200 in thedirection preferably toward the first end 142 of the tubular member 141.As a result, the inner wall 204 of the releasing member 200 contacts theretaining ring 150 and spiays apart the prongs 154 which releases thegrip on the sprinkler body 112. With the sprinkler body 112 free, theinstaller/adjuster can rotate and/or axially locate the sprinkler 110and its deflector 124 at an operative position with respect to eitherthe mounting surface 14 or the rim 134 of the escutcheon, provided theseal(s) 148 form the fluid tight seal about the sprinkler body 112. Withthe sprinkler 110 properly located, the releasing member 200 istranslated toward the second end 144 of tubular member 141 therebypermitting the prongs 154 to reengage and grip the encasing surface 1 15of the sprinkler body 112 and hold the sprinkler 1 10 in position.

The preferred recessed sprinkler assembly also allows the escutcheon 130to be adjustably located. Shown in FIG. 2B is an alternate arrangementin which a second barrier 1Ob overlays the first barrier 10 a with thethrough hole opening 12 extending through each of the first and secondbarriers 10 a, 10 b with the supply pipe fitting 300 in the confinedarea CA defining the same fitting-to-mounting distance FD with respectto the first mounting surface 14 a of FIG. 2A. As with the priorinstallation, the sprinkler 1 10 can be axially translated with respectto the push-to-connect fitting 140 by push-release action to axiallylocate the sprinkler 110 within the connection fitting 140 and definethe same desired deflector-to-mounting surface distance DD with respectto the second mounting surface 14 b of the added second barrier i0 b.Additionally, the contact engagement between the peripheral surface ofthe outer wali 206 of the releasing member 200 and the inner surface132B of the receiver 132 allows the escutcheon 130 to be axiallytranslated and adjusted with respect to the releasing member 200 tolocate the rim 134 against the second mounting surface 14 b of thesecond barrier 10 b. Accordingly, the adjustability of the sprinkler 110and the escutcheon 130 with the preferred fitting and releasing memberassembly 140, 200 allows for maintenance of a desired deflector-to-rimdistance RD despite the addition of the second barrier 10 b and theconstant fittsng-to-niounting distance FD with respect to the firstmounting surface 14 a. Preferred embodiments of the sprinkler assembly100 provide for one or more complimentary contact surfaces or contactzones over which the sprinkler 110 and/or the escutcheon 130 can beaxially translated and adjusted to provide for the desired relativespacing between the deflector 124, the escutcheon rim 134 and/or othermounting surfaces or structures.

FIGS. 4-6 show details and manner of operation of the preferredpush-to-connect fitting 140 and its internal sealing and grippingcomponents. FIG. 4 shows the releasing member 200 fully translatedtoward the first end 142 of the fitting 140 with the sprinkler body 112released from the grip of the retaining ring 150. As previouslydescribed, the push-to-connect fitting 140 is preferably embodied as aninsert fitting that is preferably affixed within the end receptacle of atee, elbow, union or other pipe fitting. Accordingly, tubular member 141and its first end 142 are a preferably circular cylindrical having apreferably constant outer diameter sized for insertion into a pipefitting. More particularly, the tubular member has a constant outerdiameter over a substantial axial length of the tubular member 141 forclose fit within the receptacle of the pipe fitting, for example, asseen in FIG. 2A. The constant outer diameter is sufficiently sized andtolerance for affixing within the receptacle of the pipe fitting using,for example, chemical bonding or welding. Thus, the exterior surface ofthe tubular member 141 provides for a preferred securement portion toaffix the push-to-connect fitting 140 to a pipe fitting. Preferably, theouter diameter of the securement portion is constant over an axiallength that is at least equal to the insertion depth ID of the pipefitting into which the securement portion is inserted.

Referring again to FIGS. 4 and 5, the second end 144 of the tubularmember 141 is preferably enlarged as compared to the securement portionto form a limit or stop the insertion of the tubular member 141 withinthe pipe fitting. The second end 144 is preferably formed as an annularflange 144 integral with the rest of the tubular member 141, The flange144 is sized to abut or engage the end of the pipe or pipe fitting intowhich the tubular member 141 is inserted, as seen for example, in FIG.2A. The annular flange 144 is formed with a centra! opening axiaiiyaligned and in communication with the internal conduit 146 of thetubular member 141.

As shown, the outer or exterior surface of the tubular member 141 ispreferably configured at its second end 144 to retain the releasingmember 200. More particularly, the outer surface of the flange 144preferably includes a peripheral and preferably circumferential groove145 to engage the preferred releasing member 200. The outer wall 206 ofthe releasing member preferably includes a projection 208 and morepreferably an annular projection 208 that is directed radially inwardand engages the peripheral groove 145 of the tubular member 141 tosecure the releasing member 200 to the tubular member 141. The groove145 additionally defines a groove height GM which provides sufficientrelative axial travel of the releasing member 200 in the direction ofthe first end 142 of the tubular member 141 to splay the grippingfingers 154 of the retaining ring 150 and release the sprinkler 110.Alternatively to a continuous circumferential groove 145, the groove 145can discontinuous having an alternate geometry provided the releasingmember 200 has a complimentary projection 208 to engage and translatewithin the groove 145.

To prevent inadvertent translation of the releasing member 200, forexample, when adjusting the escutcheon 130, and thereby maintain thegrip of the retaining ring 150 about the sprinkler body 112, thepush-to-connect fitting 140 includes an arrangement to resist or controlrelative translation between the releasing member 200 and the tubularmember 141. The preferred formation of the releasing member 200 providesan annular channel 203 between the inner and outer walls 204, 206 withthe annular flange 144 of the tubular member housed within the channel203. Preferably disposed within the annular channel 203 is a resistanceelement 205, such as for example, a leaf spring, coil spring, pliablemember, ball detent and spring arrangement or any other resilient memberor arrangement member which preferably acts to control the relativeaxial translation of the releasing member with respect to the tubularmember 141 and its contact with the retaining ring 150. Morespecifically, the resistance element 205 controls translation byproviding a force sufficient to translate or bias the releasing member200 away from the first end 142 of the tubular member and out of contactwith the retaining ring 150, yet apply a sufficiently small force thatcan be overcome by a hand or tool operation to translate the releasingmember 200 toward the first end 142 of the tubular member 141.Alternatively or additionally, the resistance element 205 can form apositive lock between the releasing element 205 and the tubular member141, FIG. 4 shows the resistance of element 205 overcome by atranslation force by hand or too! (not shown); and FIG. 5 shows theresistance element 205 in its uncompressed and housed positon within theannular channel 203. FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of the resistanceelement 205.

Shown in FIG. 5 is the preferred assembled push-to-connect fitting 140in cross-section. Disposed within the conduit 146 is the annular sealingmember 148 and retaining ring 150 preferably respectively positionedwithin the fitting tube 141 against a first annular seat 156 and asecond annular seat 158. By locating the sealing member 148 within theinternal conduit 146 of a tubular member that is externally cemented,the sealing member 148 and the sealing area is protected from thechemical cement. Both or either of the first and second seat 156, 158can be integrally formed with the internal surface of the fitting 140 oralternatively be embodied as separate annular member disposed andaffixed along the conduit 146 to provide the seat. An annular wedge 160surrounds the retaining ring 150 and is disposed between the first seat156 and the retaining ring 150 to limit the outward flex of the fingers154. Accordingly, in the preferred embodiment of the fitting 140, thefirst seat 156 and second seat 158 are axially spaced apart to define agap region G for housing the annular sealing member and retaining ring148, 150.

By preferably coupling the releasing member 200

the periphery of the tubular member 141, the insertion depth from theend face 211 of the translating release member 200 to the seal 148,i.e., the “mechanism length” ML can be minimized and is believed to becomparatively smaller than other insertion depths of known push-on typetbread!ess fittings. Preferably, the mechanism length ML is preferablyno more than 40% (0,4:1) of the total axial height H of the assembledconnection fitting 140 and more preferably no more than 35%. In apreferred embodiment of the push-to-connect fitting, the total axialheight ranges from 1.8-1.9 inches and the mechanism length ML preferablyranges from 0.4-0.5 inches. Minimizing the insertion depth at which thesprinkler body 112 engages the seai 148 maximizes the amount of theencasing surface 115 i.e., the contact zone of the sprinkler body, forseal formation. The increased contact zone for sealing increases therange of axial adjustment for the sprinkler 110 with respect to the rim134 or mounting surface 14. Moreover, by preferably coupling thereleasing member 200 to the periphery of the tubular member 141, theminimum deflector-to-mounting surface distance can also be minimized DD.With reference to FIG. 2B, the minimum deflector-to-mounting surface DDcan be preferabiy determined by the contact between the sprinkler framearms 126 and the releasing member 200.

Because the outer wall 206 of the releasing member 200 engages andsecures to the outer peripheral surface of the tabular member 141, theaxial gap G between the seats 156, 158 of the fitting 140 can also beminimized because the axiai gap G does not need to provide space for theprojection 208 or other securement for the releasing member 200.Moreover, the peripheral securement of the releasing member 200 providesthat inner wail 204 of the releasing member 200 can be otherwise freelycentered in the central opening of the retaining ring seat 158, as seenfor example in FIG. 5, which further simplifies the assembly. In apreferred aspect, where the axial spacing between the annular sealmember 148 and the retaining ring seat 158 define an axial distance L1for housing the retaining ring 150, the axial distance LI is preferablyno more than 25% of the mechanism length ML.

The conduit 146 defines an internal diameter DIA1 that is sufficientlylarge to receive the sprinkler body 112 and the inner wall 204 of thereleasing member 200. In a preferred aspect, the inner wall 204 of thereleasing member 200 defines an outer diameter DIA2 that is less thanthe inner diameter DIA 1 of the conduit 146 and less than the centralopening of the annular seat 158. Other than its contact with theretaining ring 150, the inner wail 204 of the releasing member 200 ispreferably free of contact within the conduit 146 even when a sprinkler110 is secured therein. Accordingly, the connection fitting 140 does notneed any internal space for any interna! supporting structure to affixthe releasing member 200 to the fitting 140.

The push-to-coiinect fitting 140 defines other preferred dimensionalrelationships to facilitate its simplified assembly and operation as aconnector between the received sprinkler 110 and the pipe fitting. Forexample, the releasing member 200 and its outer wail 206 define an outerdiameter DIA3 that is sufficiently large to support an escutcheon andoverlay or traverse apertures and openings as described herein. Thesmaller preferred securement portion of the tubular member 141 and itsfirst end 142 define the preferred constant outer diameter to allow forinsertion and securement of the connection fitting 140 within a pipefitting. A preferred ratio of the releasing member 200 outer diameterD1A3 to securement portion outer diameter DIA4 is 1.2:1. In an exemplaryembodiment, the releasing member 200 outer diameter DTA3 is 1.9 inchesand the securement portion at the first end 142 of the tubular member141 defines an outer diameter DIA4 is 1.4 inches.

The inner and outer walls 204, 206 of the releasing member 200 arepreferably configured to form the preferred channel 203 and secure thereleasing member 200 to the periphery of the tubular member 141 at theannular flange 144, The annular flange 144 defines a preferred outerdiameter of about 1.7 inches with a peripheral annular groove 145 havinga groove depth of about 0.05 inch to define a groove diameter of 1.65inch with a preferred groove height GH of about 0.1

ch to determine the axial translation of the releasing member 200.Accordingly,

preferred annular projection 208 of the releasing member 200 extendsradially inward from the periphery of the outer wail 206 to engage theperipheral groove 145. In a preferred aspect, the ratio of the outerdiameters of the annular flange 144 and the larger release member 200 isabout 0.9:1, The outer wail 206 is radially spaced about the inner wall204 to define with their preferred ratio of outer diameters DIA2:DIA3.In a preferred example in which the outer wail 206 peripheral diameterDIA3 is preferably 1.9 inches and more preferably 1.875 inches, theouter diameter DIA2 of the inner wall 204 is preferably about 0.985inch. The inner wall 204 of the releasing member 200 defines a preferredinternal diameter to receive the sprinkler body 112 and in a preferredembodiment preferably defines a internal diameter DIA5 of over 0.9 inch,The first end 142 of the tubular member 141 is smaller than the annularflange 144 at the second end of the tubular member 141 for preferredinsertion in a pipe or pipe fitting, In the preferred connection fittingassembly, the outer diameter DIA3 of the releasing member 200 to theouter diameter DIA4 at the first end 142 of the tubular member 141defines a preferred ratio DIA3:DIA4 that is about 1.2:1. Accordingly, apreferred ratio of the outer diameter DIA3 of the outer wall 206 to theinner diameter DIA5 of the inner wall 204 is 2:1.

The retaining ring 150 grips the sprinkler body 112 to retain thesprinkler 110 within the connection fitting 140. Shown in FIG. 6 is thepreferred retaining ring 1.50 having a base 152 about which the group ofprongs 154 are angularly disposed. The prongs 154 bend with respect tothe base 152 and more preferably are integrally formed with the base 152with a living hinge in between that allow the fingers 154 to bend withrespect to the base 152. In a preferred embodiment, the retaining ring150 and its fingers 154 define a preferred internal diameter DIA6 ofless than 0.875 inches (⅞in.) and is preferably about 0.825 inch. In oneparticular preferred embodiment related to the insertion depth of theconnection fitting to the seal 148, the internal diameter DIA6 of theretaining ring 150 defines a preferred ratio of mechanism!engih-to-mmimum internal diameter MI,:DIA6 that ranging from0.5:1-0.6:1. The fingers 154 further preferably define an obtuse angle βwith respect to a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A-A. Theobtuse angle β preferably ranges from 150° in an unloaded state to 120°in a ioaded state in which the fingers 1.54 grip an inserted sprinklerbody.

To facilitate the adjustability of the sprinkler installation, thesprinkler body 112 and its encasing surface 115 are of a preferred axiallength which can provide a contact zone over which a fluid tight sealcan be formed and the deflector 124 can be properly located. Shown inFIG. 7 is a preferred sprinkler body 112′ which can be formed integrallywith the sprinkler frame outlet and frame arms. Alternatively, thesprinkler body 112′ can be formed as a sprinkler adapter body forconnection to a sprinkler frame having an outlet and frame arms. Ineither construction, the frame arms 126 are configured for connection toa deflector (not shown). The body 112′ defines a body length BL in theaxial direction and a body-diameter BD which can engage the annular sealmember 148 of the push-to-connect fitting 140 previously described. Thebody diameter BD preferably define the maximum diameter of the sprinklerbody 112′ and is constant over a substantial length of the body lengthBL. In a preferred embodiment, the body diameter BD ranges from to0.8-1.0 inch and is more preferably 0.9 inch to 1.0 inch. Thus, forpreferred embodiments of the sprinkler body, the outer diameter isslightly larger than the minimum internal diameter of the retaining ring150.

The body length BL is preferably determined as the axial length betweenthe inlet 116 and the outlet 118 and preferably ranges from over 1.0inch to 2.0 inch and more preferably ranges from 1.1 inches to 1.75inches and even more preferably ranges from 1.5-1.6 inches to provide asufficiently long contact zone for adjustable sealing and gripping asdescribed, The body length of the body 112 is also preferably related tothe internal passageway 114 of the sprinkler 110. The nominal K-Factorprovides a discharge characteristic of the sprinkler 110 and isdetermined by the flow of fluid in gallons per minute (GPM) through theinternal passageway 114 and outlet 118 divided by a square root ofpressure of water fed into the inlet end of the internal passageway inpounds per square inch gauge (psig); Q=K

where P represents the pressure of water fed into the inlet end of theinterna! passageway through the body of the sprinkler, in pounds persquare inch gauge (psig): Q represents the flow of water from the outletend of the internal passageway through the body of the sprinkler, ingallons per minute (GPM); and K represents the nominal K-factor constantin units of gallons per minute divided by the square root of pressureexpressed in psig.

Preferred embodiments of the sprinkler body 112′ and outlet 1 18 definea nominal K-factor (with the K-factor range shown in parenthesis) ofless than 14.0 (13.5-14.5) GPM/(PSI)^(1/2) and preferably less than 11.2(10.7-1 1.7) GPM/(PSI)^(1/2) such as for example, any-one of 4.9GPM(PSI)^(1/2), 4.4 GPM/(PSI)^(1/2), 2.8 GPM/(PSI*. The sprinkler 1 10and its interna! passageway and outlet 114, 118 can be configured withsmaller or larger K-factors detailed herein provided the sprinkler bodycan be coupled into an appropriately sized or scaled push-to-connectfittings to provide for fluid connections and sprinkler installations asdescribed herein with the appropriate discharge characteristics toeffectively address a fire. In a preferred aspect, the body length BLpreferably ranges directly with the K-factor. The sprinkler body and itsinternal passageway define a preferred K-factor-to-body length ratioranging from 3.3:1 to 1.3:1. For the preferred K-Factors of 4.9GPM/(PS1)^(1/2), 4.4 GPM/(PS1) ^(1/2), 2.8 GPM/(PSI) ^(1/2), the body112′ defines preferred respective body lengths BL of 1.59 inch; 1.57inch and 1.52 inch. With the sprinkler 110 received within theconnection fitting 140 and fluid supplied to the tubular member 141, thesprinkler 110 discharges the fluid to define a rated K-factor that is atleast 90% of the nominal K˜factor and is more preferably 100% of therated K-factor.

The preferred body lengths BL are longer than previously known sprinklerbody lengths for similar sized K-factors. Accordingly, the internalpassageways 114′ of the preferred body is longer than known passagewaysfor similar sized K-factors. As shown in FIG. 7, the internal passageway114′ includes a preferred first passageway portion 114′a of a constantdiameter adjacent the inlet 116 and a second passageway portion 114′b ofa variable diameter adjacent and downstream of the first passagewayportion 114′a preferably adjacent the outlet 118′. The first passagewayportion 114′a preferably has a greater axial length than the length ofthe second passageway portion 114′b and the length of the firstpassageway-portion portion 114′a is preferably less than 50% of thetotal body length BL, preferably ranging from 35-45% of the body lengthand preferably about 45% of the body length BL. Accordingly, the firstbody portion defines a preferred body iength-to-axial length ratio of2:1-3:1. The second passageway portion 114′b is preferably defined by anarrowing taper in the direction from iniet-to-outlet. The taper can bedefined by the included angle a between the converging interior surfaceof the sprinkler body which preferably ranges between five and twentydegrees (5°-2G°) and more preferably between five and ten degrees(5°-10°) and even more preferably between seven to eight degrees(7°-8°). In addition to the first and second passageway portion 114′a,114′b the passageway can include other portions having differentiatingdimensional characteristics including different axial lengths, internaldiameters and/or tapers. In a preferred embodiment of the sprinkler body112, the internal passageway 114′ includes a third portion between thefirst and second portion defining a variable diameter that narrows inthe direction of flow, the third portion defined by an included anglethat ranges from 15°to 20°.

As shown for example in FIG. 6, the annular seal member 148 preferablyincludes at least two sealing surfaces 148 a, 148 b to provide twosealing surfaces 148 a, 148 b preferably axiaiiy spaced apart in theseal member 148 for formation of a fluid tight seal about the sprinklerencasing surface 115 particularly under high fluid pressures, such asfor example, pressures as a high as 1400 pounds per square inch (psi.),As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 it is preferred to integrate the two sealingsurfaces 148 a, 148 b in a single seal member 148 supported by a base149 to facilitate easy assembly and removal by requiring only onesealing member to be inserted or extracted by hand or with an assemblytool,

The prior embodiments show the fire protection sprinkler in apendent-type recessed installation. The recessed sprinkler assembly canbe alternatively installed in a sidewall or horizontally orientedinstallation. For example, shown in FIG. 9 are two recessed sprinklerassemblies 100′a, 100′b in a sidewall back-to-back installationarrangement. The assemblies each include a fire protection sprinklerbody 112 inserted in a preferred push-to-connect fitting 140 aspreviously described with an appropriately configured side waildeflector 124′. Accordingly, the preferred assemblies described hereincan be used with any type of deflector, such as those shown in FIG. 8,provided the deflector can be properly located from the mounting surfaceor escutcheon rim in order to distribute a firefighting fluid in adesired manner for effective surface wetting and/or addressing of afire. Shown in FIG. 8 are perspective views of an exemplary sidewalldeflector 124′ and a flat plate pendent deflector 124.

Referring again to FIG. 9, a fluid supply pipe tee fitting 300 islocated within a confined space or area CA between two spaced apart andparallel wall barriers 10 a, 10 b. The two axiaiiy aligned pipe ends302, 305 of the tee fitting 300 are aligned with the through holeopenings 12 a, 12 b formed in each of the walls 10 a, 10 b. The centralinlet 304 of the tee fitting 300 is connected to a fluid supply pipe.Centered in each opening 12 a, 12 b) is an escutcheon 130 with the rim134 of the escutcheon circumscribing the openings, A preferred assembledpush-to-connect fitting 140, as previously described, is inserted intoeach end 302, 305 of the tee fitting 300. Pushed into each connectionfitting 140 is the sidewal) sprinkler 110′a, 1 i Ob about which aninternal seal 148 and retaining ring 150 form a fluid tight sealing gripabout the sprinkler bodies 112. Each sprinkler 11O′a, 110′b is pushedinto the connection fitting 140 to locate the sidewail deflector 124′ atan operative distance from the rim 134 of the escutcheon to effectivelyprotect the protection area PA.

Shown in FIG. 10 is an alternate assembly and installation in which thepush-to-connect fitting 140 provide for a preferred concealed sprinklerinstallation. In the prior embodiments, the push-to-connect fitting 140and its releasing member 200 are at least partially located irsside ofthe escutcheon 130 to conceal the supply piping from view of theprotective area PA. in FIG. 10, the releasing member 200 is disposedcompletely outside of the escutcheon 130 and is instead locatedcompletely within the conceaied area CA side of the barriers 10. In thefinal installation, the receiver 132 of the escutcheon 130 ispreferably-coupled to a support cup 136 to form a housing about thesprinkler 110. The support cup 136 includes a central hole through whichthe sprinkler body 112 extends such that the support cup 136 rests uponthe sprinkler frame with the receiver 132 of the escutcheon surroundingthe sprinkler to define the aperture AA about the sprinkler 110. Thesupport cup 136 includes one or more apertures or openings 135 about thecentral hole in communication with the aperture AA. The releasing member200 overlays the one or more openings 135 of the support cup 136. Theescutcheon 130 includes a rim 134 to which a cover 137 is secured bythermally responsive material for concealing the housing space withinthe escutcheon assembly 130′, In the event of a fire, the thermailyresponsive material melts permitting the cover 137 to fall away andexpose the deflector 124, permitting the deflector 124 to drop fordistribution of firefighting fluid discharged from the sprinkler body112 in the protected area PA.

To form the preferred concealed installation, the enclosed fireprotection sprinkler 110 and support cup 136 are inserted into thethrough hole 12 from the protection area PA to locate the sprinkler bodywithin the internal conduit 146 of the tubular member 141 and engage theinternal sealing member 148 and retaining ring 150 in a manner aspreviously described. The releasing member 200 is translated toward thefirst end 142 of the tubular member 141 to contact the retaining ringand allow the sprinkler body 112 to freely slide and adjust into anoperative position. With the sprinkler 110 and support cup 136installed, the releasing member 200 is returned to a position out ofcontact with the retaining ring 150 allowing the internal seal memberand retaining ring 148, 150 to grip the sprinkler 110 with a fluid tightseal. Moreover, the releasing member 200 overlays the support cup 136and its apertures or opening(s) 135 to obscure or cover the concealedarea CA from view,

As shown, an elbow fitting 300 is located in the concealment area CAabove the barrier 10 with the preferred push-to-connect 140 andreleasing member 200 inserted in the receptacle at the end of the elbow300′. The elbow 300* can be connected to a fluid supply-pipe (not show)extending parallel to the mounting surface 14. The concealed area CA canbe an attic space above a ceiling 10 or alternatively be located betweena ceiling 10 and a floor deck (not shown) above the ceiling 10. Tocomplete the concealed installation the escutcheon 130 is engaged withthe support cup 136. The receiver of the escutcheon 130 and the supportcup 136 preferably include one or more appropriately cooperatingcoupling structures 133, such as for example, cooperating grooves and aprojections to join the two components.

The cover 137 of the escutcheon conceals the housed sprinkler 110 andthe deflector 124 from view. The fire protection sprinkler 110 is shownembodied as a drop down automatic sprinkler with an axiaily translatingdeflector 124 supported in its unactuated and retracted position by thecover 137 embodied as a flat plate. In an alternative embodiment, thedeflector 124 can be fixed with respect to the sprinkler body 112 andthe cover 137 can be embodied as a domed cover. The sprinkler 110′ ishoused and centered within the housing of the support cup and escutcheon130, 136 with the annular aperture AA sufficiently sized to access thereleasing member from the rim 134 of the escutcheon and through theopenings 135 of the support cup 136 using a hand or tool. To provide thedesired aperture and access, the sprinkler frame arms 126 or thedeflector 124 define the widest portion of the sprinkler 110 to controlthe annular aperture AA access. In the preferred embodiments, where thefire protection sprinkler or deflector defines a maximum width withinthe housing, the releasing member 200 defines a diameter that is greaterthan the maximum width of the sprinkler components.

The fire protection sprinklers 110 of the various embodied assembliesare preferably automatic sprinklers, but can alternatively be normallyopen. As seen in FIG. 2A, the preferred automatic sprinkler 110 includesa seal member 120 disposed in the outlet 118 supported in place by athermally responsive element 122. In a preferred embodiment, thethermally responsive element 122 is a glass bulb trigger supportedbetween the seal member 120 and a deflector 124, In the embodimentshown, the compression screw 128 engaged in a ihreaded bore of the framearms loads the seal member 120 through the thermaily responsive element122 to form a fluid tight seal in the outlet 118. With the seal member120 supported and loaded, the seal member inhibits fluid flow throughthe passageway 114 of the body 112. Alternative thermally responsiveelements 122 can include a strut and lever with thermally responsivelink, as seen for example in FIG. 10.

The preferred methods of sprinkler installation and assembly can alsoinclude providing and distribution of the preferred recessed and/orconcealed sprinkler assemblies or components thereof. The distributionof the assemblies can include the process of packaging, inventorying orwarehousing and/or shipping of the assemblies and/or its associatedmethods of assembly configuration and/or use. The shipping can includeindividual or bulk transport of the sprinkler assemblies to an end ordownstream user. The avenues of distribution of preferred products andservices can include the transfer of the preferred sprinkler assembliesfrom one party to another party. For example, the preferred sprinklerassembly or components thereof can be distributed from a designer to amanufaciisrer, manufacture to a supplier, and/or a supplier to acontractor/installer of fire protection systems.

While the present invention has been disclosed with reference to certainembodiments, numerous modifications, alterations, and changes to thedescribed embodiments are possible without departing from the sphere andscope of the present invention, as defined in the appended claims.Accordingly, it is intended that the present invention not be limited tothe described embodiments, but that it has the full scope defined by thelanguage of the following claims, and equivalents thereof.

1.-247. (canceled)
 248. A sprinkler fitting assembly, comprising: afitting comprising an inner surface to receive a sprinkler; a retainingring to be received between the inner surface and the sprinkler toengage the sprinkler; and a releasing member to be received between theinner surface and the sprinkler, the releasing member to disengage theretaining ring from the sprinkler.
 249. The sprinkler fitting assemblyof claim 248, comprising: the retaining ring comprises a plurality ofprongs that engage the sprinkler, and the releasing member displaces theplurality of prongs outward to disengage the retaining ring from thesprinkler.
 250. The sprinkler fitting assembly of claim 248, comprising:the fitting comprises a tubular member defining the inner surface and aseat extending inward from the inner surface; the sprinkler fittingassembly comprising a seal to be received between the seat, the innersurface, the retaining ring, and the sprinkler.
 251. The sprinklerfitting assembly of claim 248, comprising: the releasing membercomprises an outer wall to engage a groove defined on an outer surfaceof the fitting.
 252. The sprinkler fitting assembly of claim 248,comprising: a resilient member to be received between the fitting andthe releasing member.
 253. The sprinkler fitting assembly of claim 248,comprising: an escutcheon around the fitting and the sprinkler.
 254. Thesprinkler fitting assembly of claim 248, comprising: the inner surfaceis threadless.
 255. The sprinkler fitting assembly of claim 248,comprising: the retaining ring resists translation of the sprinkleralong a longitudinal axis of the fitting; and translation of thereleasing member along the longitudinal axis disengages the retainingring from the sprinkler to allow translation of the sprinkler relativeto the fitting.
 256. The sprinkler fitting assembly of claim 248,comprising: the fitting comprises an annular flange that engages thereleasing member.
 257. A push-to-connect sprinkler fitting, comprising:a tubular member, comprising: an threadless inner surface; a seatextending inward from the inner surface; and an outer surface defining agroove; a retaining ring coupled with the inner surface, the retainingring comprising a plurality of prongs; a seal between the seat, theinner surface, and the retaining ring; a releasing member coupled withthe inner surface and the retaining ring, the releasing membercomprising engaged with the groove; and a resilient member between thetubular member and the releasing member.
 258. The push-to-connectsprinkler fitting of claim 257, comprising: an escutcheon around thefitting and the sprinkler.
 259. A sprinkler assembly, comprising: asprinkler; a fitting comprising an inner surface to receive thesprinkler; a retaining ring to be received between the inner surface andthe sprinkler to engage the sprinkler; and a releasing member to bereceived between the inner surface and the sprinkler, the releasingmember to disengage the retaining ring from the sprinkler.
 260. Thesprinkler assembly of claim 259, comprising: the retaining ringcomprises a plurality of prongs that engage the sprinkler, and thereleasing member displaces the plurality of prongs outward to disengagethe retaining ring from the sprinkler.
 261. The sprinkler assembly ofclaim 259, comprising: the fitting comprises a tubular member definingthe inner surface and a seat extending inward from the inner surface;the sprinkler assembly comprising a seal to be received between theseat, the inner surface, the retaining ring, and the sprinkler.
 262. Thesprinkler assembly of claim 259, comprising: the releasing membercomprises an outer wall to engage a groove defined on an outer surfaceof the fitting.
 263. The sprinkler assembly of claim 259, comprising: aresilient member to be received between the fitting and the releasingmember.
 264. The sprinkler assembly of claim 259, comprising: anescutcheon around the fitting and the sprinkler.
 265. The sprinklerassembly of claim 259, comprising: the inner surface is threadless. 266.The sprinkler fitting assembly of claim 259, comprising: the retainingring resists translation of the sprinkler along a longitudinal axis ofthe fitting; and translation of the releasing member along thelongitudinal axis disengages the retaining ring from the sprinkler toallow translation of the sprinkler relative to the fitting.
 267. Thesprinkler assembly of claim 259, comprising: the fitting comprises anannular flange that engages the releasing member.